Hi Bob

Depending on the aircraft 2000' launch is a very reasonable height
expectation for a good day.

We have 1800m of runway / steel cable. (approx 5900')
Runway is 4740' MSL
Density altitude is regularly above 9000' (it gets hot here, even in winter)
Launch in still air is around 1/3 of cable length.
In calm conditions we get

- 1400' -1600' dual in a trainer.
- 1600' -1800' solo in a 15m (Cirrus)
- 1600' + solo in a 17m

When the wind is down the runway and over 10kt the launch heights
improve dramatically. Personal best is 2300' in solo in one of the
trainers into a 20Kt wind. This thing is flying within 10m under those
conditions and pulling up at minimum safe winch speed makes a big
difference.

This is achieved with what can most kindly be described as a tired
winch. It is fifteen years old homebuilt job, with a Ford 352 Windsor
engine connected to a three speed auto transmission. We launch in second
gear to control the take up and prevent those big moments this thread
started on. We also seldom use the full (nominally 220hp) power
available, only the heavier two seaters need more power.

So the caption goes, vast power is no requirement - we don't have it.
You also don't NEED plasma, though we would love to replace our steel
wire for the convenience of plasma. Lots of reliable torque and a decent
run of cable do the trick, as long as the pilots and winch driver know
their stuff.

As for the cost - the winch will probably be the best investment a club
ever makes. Ours has had minimal maintenance, never been overhauled and
still works adequately although it is getting due for an upgrade. Our
club has been sending pilots solo on this winch for 10 years - over
15,000 launches, no injuries. If we had been aerotowing the club would
have folded financially years ago. Because it is cheap we do a lot of
flying on marginal days and the club stays active, and members stay current.

Bob Johnson wrote:
Bill, I appreciate the lead. Given the relatively high initial cost,
operating cost, and manning problems for a decent tug, 19,000 USD for a
new first-class winch doesn't seem unreasonable, particularly since they
can go for years with mostly only fuel cost to consider. And since
practically any club member can be quickly taught to drive a well
thought out winch, it's a wonder they are not more popular. I see that
Skylaunch has chosen to follow Craig's example in choosing the big-block
GM V-8 engine 8') while Supacat is sticking with the 250 hp Diesel.

We were hoping for the magic 2000-ft light wind launch height. Given our
5000 ft runway length, Plasma rope and a 20 kt wind, we may make it yet.
What fraction of the runway length in launch height are you getting with
these high powered winches?

Thanks and best regards,

Bob Johnson